Yes, in many cases, you can recover your legal fees if you sue your HOA, but it must be done in accordance with state law. In California, the Davis-Stirling Act specifically provides for attorney’s fee recovery under Civil Code § 5975(c), which states that the prevailing party in a lawsuit to enforce a homeowner association’s governing documents is entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. However, courts have discretion in determining what is “reasonable,” and if you don’t prevail, you could be responsible for the HOA’s legal fees. It's also important to note that, under Civil Code § 5930, before filing an enforcement action in superior court, the parties must endeavor to submit their dispute to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation or arbitration. Failure to attempt ADR can affect the recovery of attorney’s fees and the outcome of the case.

When you book a consultation with an HOA attorney, you can expect a focused and strategic discussion about your case. The attorney will conduct a cursory review of your situation and any relevant documents but will primarily use the consultation time to deep dive into the details with you. Based on this analysis, the attorney will outline your legal options, which may include litigation, negotiation strategies, or self-help remedies if applicable. By the end of the consultation, you should have a clear understanding of your rights, the best course of action, and what to expect moving forward.

No, we do not work on a contingency basis—and here’s why that’s actually in your best interest. Contingency attorneys, like those handling personal injury and class action lawsuits, only take cases where they can recover monetary damages because they collect 30%–40% of your settlement as their fee.

But most HOA disputes aren’t about big payouts—they’re about protecting your home, stopping harassment, and enforcing your rights. That’s why we operate on an hourly basis, ensuring that every dollar you invest goes toward winning your case, not paying an attorney’s percentage.

That said, we understand that legal action is an economic decision. During your consultation, our attorney will provide a clear breakdown of cost options so you can make the best financial decision for your situation. Additionally, in many cases, if you prevail, you may be entitled to recover your attorney’s fees (see "Can I Recover My Legal Fees If I Sue My HOA?" FAQ above).

It depends. A demand letter can be a powerful tool, but it’s just one tactic in a broader legal strategy. In some cases, a well-crafted demand letter may prompt the HOA to back down. However, if your HOA is aggressive or unresponsive, a stronger approach may be necessary. During a consultation, we’ll evaluate your situation and determine whether a demand letter is the right move or if immediate legal action is warranted.

We have been fighting and winning against abusive HOAs for over 17 years, and no other firm in the country has a stronger track record in this area than LS Carlson Law. We don’t just handle HOA disputes—we set the standard for how to win them.

Our firm has successfully won more cases against HOAs than any other law firm in the U.S. We have pioneered many of the legal strategies that homeowners now use to fight back.

We even wrote the definitive guide on bad HOAs—literally. Our founder, Luke Carlson, authored Bad HOA™: A Homeowner’s Guide to Going to War and Reclaiming Your Power to educate homeowners on how to fight back effectively.

Many law firms that represent the association know exactly who we are, and they know we are aggressive, strategic, and relentless in holding them accountable. If you want a legal team with a proven track record, innovative strategies, and a fearless approach, LS Carlson Law is the firm you want in your corner.

At LS Carlson Law, our clients experience a level of legal representation that is unmatched in the HOA dispute space. From the moment you reach out, we take a strategic, aggressive, and results-driven approach tailored to your specific situation. We believe in clear, direct communication, ensuring you always know where your case stands and what to expect next. We are battle-tested attorneys who don’t back down when your rights are on the line. With over 17 years of success and more HOA victories than any other firm, our track record speaks for itself. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring an attorney—you’re securing a powerful legal team that is fully committed to protecting your home and holding your HOA accountable.

Technically, yes, but it is so difficult that it is not realistic in practice. There are both legal and practical considerations that most homeowners have not considered. We wrote an article on this very topic that can be found below that dives deeper into the process in much greater detail. However, in summary, homeowners should think carefully before trying to disband their homeowners association (“HOA”) and consult with an HOA attorney before starting the process.

Receiving a violation notice from your HOA can be intimidating and frustrating, but homeowners have legal protections that HOAs must follow. Your first step should be to review your association’s governing documents (CC&Rs and bylaws) to understand the specific rule you’re being accused of violating and the proper enforcement process. If the violation is unclear, selective, or outright baseless, we strongly recommend challenging it. However, it’s critical to remain calm, clinical, and fact-based in your communication—no emotions, just facts. Clearly articulate your position, provide evidence supporting your side, and follow the HOA’s formal process for disputing the violation. If the board ignores your response or acts in a tyrannical manner, it may be time to seek legal representation. To help homeowners take on their HOAs effectively, we offer powerful resources, including our podcast, Bad HOA™, our book, Bad HOA™: A Homeowner’s Guide to Going to War and Reclaiming Your Power, and dozens of in-depth blog posts. All of these resources are available on our website.